Leeds United approach the January transfer window with a clearer sense of direction, focusing on strengthening their attacking options as they look to solidify their Premier League survival bid.
An upturn in form has steadied the campaign and eased some of the pressure on Daniel Farke, but questions remain over the squad’s balance as the season reaches its midway stage.
Those concerns have been heightened by tactical tweaks. The switch to a 5-3-2 system has increased the need for an additional striker, while also underlining the potential requirement for reinforcements in defensive areas.
Leeds are also considering bringing in an attacking midfielder, and one of their Premier League targets is likely to push for a transfer exit from Newcastle United in the winter window.
Leeds United target Joe Willock could push for a January transfer exit
Willock has started just two Premier League games this season and is firmly on the fringes of the Newcastle squad at this stage of the campaign.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is said to consider him as the fifth-choice midfielder in the squad, and that is unlikely to change in the future.
The 26-year-old is feeling frustrated at Newcastle, and Leeds are among the clubs that are interested in getting their hands on him in the winter window.
Leeds are keen to bring in a more forward-thinking midfielder, and Willock suits what Daniel Farke would want to add to his squad this month.
And according to Football Insider, Willock is set to push for a move out of Newcastle before the end of the ongoing transfer window.
He wants to play more football, and at this stage, he will continue to remain a bench option for Newcastle for the rest of the season.
Crystal Palace also have their eyes on him and will compete with Leeds if Willock indeed leaves Newcastle before the transfer window closes in the next couple of weeks.
A loan deal would make sense for Leeds
Leeds already have enough midfielders, but Farke is believed to be keen to add one more creative midfield man to his squad in January.
Brenden Aaronson has looked good playing alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which leaves Ao Tanaka as the only other midfielder who could be the more forward-thinking option in a midfield three.
| Statistic (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Non-penalty goals | 0.00 | 11 |
| npxG (non-penalty xG) | 0.25 | 96 |
| Shots total | 1.74 | 89 |
| Assists | 0.10 | 60 |
| xAG (expected assisted goals) | 0.12 | 75 |
| npxG + xAG | 0.37 | 93 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.38 | 84 |
| Passes attempted | 33.07 | 8 |
| Pass completion % | 81.7% | 35 |
| Progressive passes | 3.58 | 22 |
| Progressive carries | 4.10 | 99 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.02 | 85 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 4.61 | 99 |
| Progressive passes received | 6.96 | 98 |
There are no guarantees that Willock could get straight into the Leeds team if he joins. However, his Premier League experience could work in his favour.
However, Leeds may not want to commit major funds on the Newcastle star just yet, and for the moment, a loan deal makes more sense if the Whites want to sign him.
